N.A.R.C.
is a multi-specialty research center which conducts drug
research trails sponsored by pharmaceutical centers. They have
partnered with area doctors to conduct this research. They will
have different trails going at any given time and will be having
additional trails throughout the year. You may contact them or
stop in to discuss your medical problems to see if you would be
a candidate for a clinical trial. There is no expense to
participate in these trails. Contact Jaime McNeese or Lisa
Shephard at 256-771-9919. North Alabama Research Center LLC is
located at 721 West Market Street, Athens, AL. 35611

What
is a clinical trial?

Although there are many definitions of clinical trials, they
are generally considered to be biomedical or health-related
research studies in human beings that follow a pre-defined
protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov includes both interventional and
observational types of studies. Interventional studies are those
in which the research subjects are assigned by the investigator
to a treatment or other intervention, and their outcomes are
measured. Observational studies are those in which individuals
are observed and their outcomes are measured by the
investigators.

Why
participate in a clinical trial?

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in
their own health care, gain access to new research treatments
before they are widely available, and help others by
contributing to medical research.

Who
can participate in a clinical trial?

Who can
participate in a clinical trial? All clinical trials have
guidelines about who can participate. Using inclusion/exclusion
criteria is an important principle of medical research that
helps to produce reliable results...

What
happens during a clinical trial?

What
happens during a clinical trial? The clinical trial process
depends on the kind of trial being conducted (See What are the
different types of clinical trials?) The clinical trial team
includes doctors and nurses as well as social workers and other
health care professionals...

What
is informed consent?

What is
informed consent? Informed consent is the process of learning
the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether or
not to participate. It is also a continuing process throughout
the study to provide information for participants...

What
are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial?

What
are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial?
Benefits Clinical trials that are well-designed and
well-executed are the best approach for eligible participants
to: •Play an active role in their own health care. ...

How
is the safety of the participant protected?

How is
the safety of the participant protected? The ethical and legal
codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical
trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally
regulated with built in safeguards to protect the
participants...

What
should people consider before participating in a trial?

What
should people consider before participating in a trial? People
should know as much as possible about the clinical trial and
feel comfortable asking the members of the health care team
questions about it, the care expected while in a trial, and the
cost of the trial...